[Greek] διακονέω (diakoneō), [Latin] ministrare, [Latin] adminstrare, [French] servir: be an attendant, wait at table, to serve, respond to the needs of the people, to distribute, to minister, to provide for; Mt. 20:28, Mt.25:44-45, 1Tim.3:10, Act.6:2, Rom.16:1
The Ordination of Stephen to the Diaconate by St. Peter (in the Vatican Museum)
Background Information:
Secular Greek society: For the most part, the idea of serving others was seen as not being very dignified. Ruling and being served were more preferable. It was proper only for a woman to be serving. This was not considered a proper role for a man. However, there was only one role of serving that was suitable for a man. Serving the state or country (being a statesman) attained a certain amount of prestige.
Judaism: Judaism showed a much deeper understanding of the meaning of service. This shows in the relationship of a servant to his master. This is supremely true in the relationship of man to God. Although Judaism greatly valued the commandment of loving thy neighbor, many times these precepts were obscured and rejected. A sharp distinction concerning righteous and unrighteous hindered and prevented the command to serve other less fortunate persons.
Jesus’ influence on Judaism: The Pharisees were more concerned about the righteousness of those in need. The Pharisees were placing pre-conditions before considering helping someone. In response to this, Jesus talked about the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus hoped to instill the need to show unconditional love and service to others. Jesus claims that this is how one becomes a true disciple in serving others.
New Testament: The idea of serving was first used in the original sense of waiting at the table. It was seen as an honor for the servants to serve their master in the house. Jesus reverses this human relationship dynamic. Jesus presents Himself a servant. This culminates in Jesus’ washing the feet of His disciples. Jesus introduces the notion of being a humble servant.
Scripture:
“The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mt. 20:28
Jesus turns the tables on what it means to serve others. It is more important to serve rather than being served.
“Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’” Mt. 25:44-45
This recalls Jesus’ important message to help the needy and less fortunate.
“If there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” 1Tim. 3:10
The office of deacon was created in response to care for the needs of the growing Church.
“Phoebe our sister who is also a minister of the church at Cenchreae.” Rom. 16:1
Cenchreae was a village in the region of Corinth. In a patriarchal society, Phoebe may have not have attained a formal title of deacon. However, she could have served the community in a role similar to a deacon.
Deacon Lawrence: He was ordained as a deacon by Pope Sixtus II (257-258 AD). Deacon Lawrence was entrusted with the distributions of alms to those in need. Under the persecution of Valerian, Pope Sixtus II and most of his deacons were beheaded. Lawrence was given three days to hand over the church treasure to the secular authorities. Instead, Lawrence distributed it to the poor. Lawrence was later martyred. So, in a sense, the true treasure of the church was handed over to the church to be martyred. This fresco is also found in the Vatican Museum.
Conclusion:
Deacon, diaconate, administer, minister, ministry
From this comes the word deacon and deaconate. Since then, the deacon’s role has expanded into pastoral, spiritual, financial, and administrative functions of a parish. It is also interesting to note when Jesus states “Amen, amen, I say to you…” These words give an indication that Jesus will say something very profound and important. Even to this day, many people still attain public office to seek prestige.